Filed under: Concept Cars , Detroit Auto Show , Hybrid , Sedan , Toyota , Electric Toyota can justifiably be proud of its position not only as one of the largest automakers in the world, but also the world leader in hybrid vehicles. In fact, the Japanese automaker claims that half of all hybrids sold are Toyotas. But it didn’t get there by resting on its proverbial laurels, and it isn’t going to maintain (let alone increase) its market share by doing so, either. That’s where the concept car you see here comes in. Taking position as something of a Prius of the future, the NS4 concept cuts a striking profile – certainly more striking than the current kamm-tailed Prius. But even though the technologies it encompasses are targeted to reach the market by around 2015, the show-car details – like that eminently dentable front beak -probably won’t. While Toyota works on all manner of electric and fuel cell powertrains, the NS4 packs a similar plug-in hybrid system as the current Prius PHEV. But the show car encompasses a slew of other technologies, like a smartphone-like interface to monitor and control everything from the air conditioning to the battery charge. Toyota has also packed the NS4 with its latest pre-collision and blind-spot monitoring systems, adaptive headlights and four new types of glass – the one part of the car we probably take most for granted. Of course, this being a concept car, Toyota has also replaced the side mirrors with an around-view camera system, but laws being what they are for now, don’t expect to see that in showrooms just yet.

Filed under: Concept Cars , Detroit Auto Show , Hybrid , Hatchback , Toyota Toyota has released a quick teaser video for the company’s NS4 Plug-In Hybrid Concept ahead of the vehicle’s debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show . Though less than a minute in length, the clip gives us a clear look at the vehicle’s badges as well as quick line-drawing outline. Toyota has released few details about the NS4 beyond saying the vehicle will be an “advanced plug-in hybrid.” Whether that means the vehicle will boast new battery, engine or motor technology remains to be seen. Odds are the NS4 will be used to display new design language for the entire Toyota hybrid fleet. The NS4 Plug-In Hybrid Concept will debut next week, along with the company’s Prius C ; a Yaris -sized hybrid with better fuel economy figures than the current Prius. While the model has received an unveil at the Tokyo Motor Show , we’ve yet to see the vehicle on American soil. Hit the jump to check out the NS4 Concept teaser video for yourself. Continue reading Toyota teases NS4 plug-in hybrid concept again Toyota teases NS4 plug-in hybrid concept again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink